In the world of robotics, efficiency is key. Robots are constantly processing vast amounts of information, and just like biological organisms, they need to optimize how they handle data. According to Polanyi, a leading expert in the field, reducing the information robots process doesn’t make them weaker; instead, they should learn to use the data they have in smarter, more efficient ways.
Simplifying Software for Smarter Robots
One of the leading companies pushing the boundaries of robotics is Amazon, which operates the world’s largest fleet of robots, with over 750,000 in use. Amazon’s robots fall into two categories: mobile robots that transport goods and robotic arms that handle objects. The AI systems powering these robots collect millions of data points daily to improve their decision-making processes, from determining how to grab an object to avoiding collisions with human workers.
By using machine learning, robotic arms learn to recognize objects and then use pre-programmed rules to decide on actions. However, with the introduction of generative AI, these robots can predict the outcomes of actions before executing them, allowing them to select the most efficient approach. This combination of generative AI and large datasets helps streamline task execution, minimizing unnecessary computation and ultimately reducing computing power requirements.
As Michael Wolf, chief scientist at Amazon Robotics, explains, “We can simplify the software by having the models do more.” This approach is transforming how robotic autonomy is built, making the systems smarter and more resource-efficient.
Do More With Less: The Future of Lazy Robots
In robotics competitions like RoboCup, teams are already exploring ways to make robots even more efficient. Van der Molengraft, a researcher involved in the competition, highlights that much of the computational activity in current robots is unnecessary. By minimizing redundant processes, his team is working on making their robots “lazier,” yet more efficient, giving them a competitive edge.
While today’s robots still lag behind human energy efficiency, progress is being made. Researchers are optimistic that, over time, robots will become even better at tasks like robotic soccer or industrial automation by improving their ability to process data more intelligently.
The Ongoing Evolution of Robotics
The development of AI-powered robots is an ongoing process, with constant improvements in how robots process information and interact with their environment. Whether it’s simplifying software, reducing energy consumption, or enhancing task execution, the future of robotics will focus on doing more with less. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect robots to become more autonomous and efficient, revolutionizing industries from warehousing to manufacturing.
